Canadian rugby team runs through Russia in Wales

COLWYN BAY -- Canada ran through Russia to win 35-3 on the north Wales coast on Saturday, its third straight win over the Bears.

Canada led 16-3 at halftime and 35-3 after 57 minutes, then held out the Russians who played with desperate pride in the last quarter.

The Canadians were satisfied after being thumped by Samoa 42-12 at the same Parc Eirias last week.

"We felt we had to bring a little more physicality," captain Aaron Carpenter said. "We ran some hard lines and broke them and scored some nice tries."

Right winger Jeff Hassler, who made his debut in June, showed off blistering speed in scoring two of Canada's four tries and setting up a third.

He claimed his maiden test try in the 18th minute. After Russia knocked on deep in Canada's half, Canada counterattacked and Hassler blew 50 metres down the right wing. James Pritchard converted for 13-3. Pritchard missed only his seventh and last goalkick.

Soon after halftime, Hassler took an up-and-under over his shoulder running back in defence, turned, and broke past five defenders before taking the last tackle to run in fellow wing Taylor Paris.

Insider centre Nick Blevins scored from his own chargedown three minutes later, and Hassler finished the scoring when he wrongfooted two defenders and outpaced the cover to the right corner.